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The Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is an appointed position in the Wisconsin state government. The secretary directs the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which defines its mission as "working for a healthy environment, a healthy food supply, and healthy business practices,"[1] and works closely with the DATCP Board and the Governor's office.[1]

Current officeholder

The current officeholder is Ben Brancel. He was born and raised in Marquette County, Wisconsin. He managed a dairy operation for 22 years and now runs a 290-acre family farm with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law.[2] He holds a BA in Animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.[2]

Authority

Wisconsin law provides that heads of independent agencies may create and appoint such councils and committees as the operation of the agency requires.

The secretary shall appoint all staff necessary for the carrying out of the duties of the department, all of whom shall be under the classified service except the deputy secretary, the executive assistant and, subject to s. 230.08 (4) (a), the administrators of divisions. Each such deputy secretary, executive assistant or administrator shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the board.

The creation of the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is designated in Wisconsin Statutes.

There is created a department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under the direction and supervision of the board of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. The board shall consist of 7 members with an agricultural background and 2 members who are consumer representatives, appointed for staggered 6-year terms. Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to party affiliation, residence or interest in any special organized group.

Qualifications

"The board shall consist of 7 members with an agricultural background and 2 members who are consumer representatives, appointed for staggered 6-year terms. Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to party affiliation, residence or interest in any special organized group."

Appointments

Under Chapter 15.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the secretary is nominated by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, and serves as the pleasure of the governor.[3]

Vacancies

In the instance of a vacancy, under Chapter 15.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes, a new secretary is nominated by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, and will serve at the pleasure of the governor.[4]

Duties

The specific duties of the Secretary of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection are outlined in Chapter 93.07 of the Wisconsin state code.

Regulations: "To make and enforce such regulations, not inconsistent with law, as it may deem necessary for the exercise and discharge of all the powers and duties of the department, and to adopt such measures and make such regulations as are necessary and proper for the enforcement by the state of chs. 93 to 100, which regulations shall have the force of law."

Forms: "To prescribe forms for all applications, notices and reports required to be made to the department or which are necessary in its work."

Promotion of agriculture: "To promote the interests of agriculture, dairying, horticulture, manufacturing, commercial fishing and the domestic arts and to advertise Wisconsin and its dairy, food, and agricultural products by conducting campaigns of education throughout the United States and in foreign markets. Such campaigns shall include the distribution of educational and advertising material concerning Wisconsin and its plant, animal, food, and dairy products. The department shall coordinate efforts by the state to advertise and promote agricultural products of this state, with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation where appropriate. The department shall submit its request and plan for market development program expenditures for each biennium with its biennial budget request. The plan shall include the identification and priority of expenditures for each market development program activity.

State aid to Livestock Breeders Association: To receive and examine, prior to its transmission to the department of administration, the biennial request for state aid of the Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association; to transmit and make recommendations upon this request to the department of administration and the governor; and to advise as to the manner of expending and accounting for state moneys appropriated to that organization."

Advice to university of Wisconsin system: "To give advice to the state superintendent of public instruction as to the courses in agricultural economics to be given in the University of Wisconsin System."

Exhibits: "Upon authorization by the governor, to make such public exhibits as will tend to inform the public of the work of the department, and to give such aid in farmers' institutes, dairy and food and farmers' conventions and the agricultural department of the state university as may be deemed advisable."

Information:

(a) "To collect from the several counties information concerning the extent, condition and prices of farm crops; the number, conditions of health and value of farm animals; prevailing conditions of weather, and such other information as the department may deem of value to the agricultural interests of the state, and to publish monthly statements of such reports, for free distribution among the farmers and other interested persons of the state."

(b) "To collect and publish, in the form best calculated to attract to the state desirable immigrants and capital, information relating to the advantages and opportunities offered by this state to the farmer, the merchant, the manufacturer, the home seeker, and the summer visitor. The publication shall be subject to s. 35.29 and shall be in form of circulars, folders and pamphlets, and may be translated and printed in foreign languages; to cause to be inserted in newspapers, magazines and farm papers appropriate notices, and to maintain permanent exhibits in populous centers, if the department shall determine that the best interests of the state will be advanced thereby."

(c) "To furnish free, in its discretion, copies of the publications printed under its direction to advancement associations, and societies organized to promote immigration and the development and enrichment of the state, when application is made therefore; to furnish other persons such copies as may be requested at the actual cost of printing; and the money received for such copies shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the appropriation from which said cost of printing was paid."

(d) "To obtain from the heads of the several departments of the state government, the faculty of the state university and the several state institutions, and they are hereby directed to furnish to the department upon request, such information as may be at their command relating to the resources of this state."

Divisions

There are seven main divisions within the office of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection:[6][7]

Division of Agricultural Development (DAD)

Division of Animal Health (DAH)

Division of Agricultural Resource Management (DARM)

Division of Food Safety (DFS)

Division of Trade and Consumer Protection (DTCP)

Office of the Secretary (OS)

Management Services

Compensation

In 2010, the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection was paid an estimated $123,248 according to the Council of State Governments.[8]